1 John 4:2 Exegetical Guide
The exegetical guide says that the verb mood of "know" in 1 John 4:2 is imperative, but none of the Bible translations translate this verse as a command.
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Intriguing. The KJV does seem to translate it in the imperative:
"Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God."
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There are two things Word by Word indicates that I don't understand, the first is the +/- sign preceding the correct mood which is given as indicative. The second is the alternate or additional mood given as imperative. The Baylor Handbook parses this verb as indicative which is indeed correct. One is left to conclude that the imperative designation put forth by Word by Word is given in error.The exegetical guide says that the verb mood of "know" in 1 John 4:2 is imperative, but none of the Bible translations translate this verse as a command.
Meanwhile, Jesus kept on growing wiser and more mature, and in favor with God and his fellow man.
International Standard Version. (2011). (Lk 2:52). Yorba Linda, CA: ISV Foundation.
MacBook Pro MacOS Sequoia 15.1 1TB SSD
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Bultmann (today's reading, indeed, this verse!):
"Γινώσκετε (“you know”) can be understood as an imperative, but probably better as an indicative, just as in 3:20* the readers are reminded of the knowledge which they possess.5 It is the knowledge that πᾶν πνεῦμα ὃ ὁμολογεῖ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἐν σαρκὶ ἐληλυθότα ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν (“every spirit which confesses Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh is of God”)"
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The exegetical guide says that the verb mood of "know" in 1 John 4:2 is imperative, but none of the Bible translations translate this verse as a command.
The +/- sign in the guide is the indicator that there are multiple parsings depending upon who's expertise you consider. Any decision as to which is "correct" belongs after a thorough review of the literature to understand why those with expertise in the field disagree, a brief review of the textual variants, and some time to mull over, weigh, and come to a solid argument in support of the position you chose to take. For the rest of us, I recommend simply keeping in mind that it is a disputed issue that has little practical effect on how I worship and behave. (Yes, I'm in one of my "moods" this morning as a result of broadening my reading with some really horrendous theology).
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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